FIRST CLASS: Hartlepool school’s pupils are wild about the outdoors

Clavering Primary School’s John Muir Award Programme was recently shortlisted for the finals of the Pride of Hartlepool Awards.

We were keen to see why pupils are so keen to spend time in wild places, so we asked six of its Year 6 pupils.

Isaak said: “I think it is important to spend time in wild places because one day you might not have the opportunity to go there and see all the wonderful nature.

“I feel that wild places are special and sacred because they are not manmade.”

Jayden said: “It shows you a different perspective on the world. It also offers you the opportunity to learn about it and to compare it to your normal life. I feel relaxed in wild places because there are no loud noises.”

Robert told us: “You can admire all of nature’s beauty, enjoying all of the space and peace and quiet. I feel passionate about protecting wild places.

“Wild places should be kept wild and protected so that future generations can enjoy them, including all of the places where I have been and enjoyed.”

Sarah said: “You can learn survival skills and how to adapt to living in wild places if you needed to.

“Also, it teaches you the importance of taking care of the wild and not hurting wildlife.”

Sophie added: “I think it is important to spend time in wild places because, especially in modern times, people often forget about wildlife and it is important to learn and understand the world around us.”

Stephanie said: “It helps you realise how important it is to protect them and appreciate that they are all natural wonders.

“It is also extremely important to get away from TV and other electronics and get healthy because God didn’t make the wild for nothing!”